We welcome all members to join this trek, including medical practitioners, educators, farmers, gardeners, technicians, builders, foresters, renewable energy professionals, and everyone else. You don't have to be an expert to make a difference.

Please click one of the links below to view that section of our introductory information or just scroll down (photo right: Marcia Macdonald, one of the Deboche Nunnery project's biggest supporters, sitting on the steps of the convent with the nuns).

Introduction: Support trek to the Pema Choling Buddhist women’s convent, also known as the Deboche Nunnery (also spelled Debouche Nunnery and Debouche Monastery), where 20 impoverished nuns live in a leaky old convent, while also getting to walk to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar. The building is falling down, and many tourists walk past and never consider it. The nunnery was built in 1928 and it has had little or no maintenance since. The convent is the “sister-monastery” to the famous Thyangboche monastery on top of the hill between beautiful Deboche and Namche, along the Everest basecamp trek. The men who live in the monastery on top of the hill have brand new buildings with fancy paintings and solid walls and intact roofs, while the women live at the bottom of the slope in very simple (and leaky) circumstances. We plan to help with putting in a new water system and remodeling the building the nuns share for a few days before heading up to Everest base camp and Kala Pattar (photo below right by Fabrice Imparato: The Khumbu Icefall seen from basecamp. Everest is on the right behind Nuptse, with Lhotse in the center).

Mt. Everest was first climbed in 1953 by Hillary and Tenzing. Their base camp was at Gorak Shep which we will visit along our adventure. Our trek to the base of the highest mountain in the world allows you to enjoy the incredible beauty of Nepal and walk to a very high altitude on good snow-free paths, providing spectacular views of Everest and the surrounding Himalaya Giants.

We trek to the Deboche Nunnery and base camp on snow-free paths through green terraced villages, rushing rivers, suspension bridges, lush forests, stay in civilized 'teahouses' and camp in verdant meadows beneath towering peaks. There is ample time to experience the friendly and exotic culture of the Khumbu Valley, as we walk through some of the most spectacular natural settings and mountain scenery in the world, while staying in comfortable lodgings.

This trek is in the spring, the main climbing season for Everest. After working at the Deboche Nunnery for a few days, you will have a chance to sample expedition life and check out the basecamps of teams from around the world (photo right by Liz Stevens: Our past Everest basecamp trek leader, Elselien, receiving a blessing from the local Buddhist Lama in Pangboche).

You travel at a very careful pace without having to carry a heavy rucksack, while enjoying freshly prepared meals and lots of hot drinks, all important for acclimatization. The logistics are all taken care of, so just relax and enjoy the pure and pristine environment of the high Himalaya.

This easy, peaceful and interesting trek to the Deboche Nunnery and Everest maximizes many years of accumulated wisdom in the Himalaya, a long and proven record of safe and fun trekking through Tibet, Nepal, China, Africa, and many other fascinating mountain destinations around the world.back to top

Leader and staff: Our friendly guides and trip leaders are experts at leading interesting groups of men and women throughout Nepal. In addition, they have an intimate knowledge of the Sherpa people and customs and temples and shrines in each picturesque village you stroll through. We must also give credit to our polite and highly experienced, hard-working trekking sherpas, cooking, and office staff (photo right by Tunc Findik: Namche Bazaar at 3,440 metre/11,300 feet, the capital of the Sherpa people. See this unique village on our trek to and from basecamp).

On trek: Our guide, together with friendly and helpful sherpas, cooks and local people leading yak caravans carry all of your personal equipment, group equipment, and set up camp each day, prepare and serve delicious meals, so you can relax and enjoy the trek. You do not need to carry a heavy rucksack during the trek.

Sherpas:Our excellent sherpas have an intimate knowledge of the beautiful trek to the Deboche Nunnery, Everest and the comfortable villages we will visit because this is their home region. They live in this land, grew up on farms here, have family and friends in the fun areas we will pass through, making our visit less of the usual tourist experience and more involved with the unique and genuine culture of the Khumbu Valley. They also have a lot invested in the remodeling and upkeep of the Deboche Nunnery and hope to see it flourish once again. They go out of their way to help make your visit remarkable and create lasting ties with the majestic landscapes and the inhabitants who reside there. This is a very enjoyable trek with friendly people. back to top

Everest National Park: The park covers an area of 1148 square kilometres in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This includes Mt. Everest and several other well known peaks such as Lhotse, Pumori, Island Peak , and Ama Dablam. Mt. Everest and the surrounding area is a 'world biosphere reserve'. Since 1976 the park has served to safeguard unique cultural, physical and scientific values through sound conservation principles. Vegetation in the park varies from oak, pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes to fir, juniper, birch and rhododendron woods at mid-elevations. Scrub and alpine plant communities with bare rock and glacier are found above the tree line. 22 species of rhododendron bloom during the spring (April and May) and much of the flora is colourful throughout the year. Wild animals most likely to be seen in the park are Himalayan tahr, goral, serow, musk deer, and well over 100 different bird species (photo right by http://www.americazoo.com/goto/index/mammals/420.htm: The Himalayan Tahr can grow to a metre high and weigh upwards of 100 kg).

Our Everest Nepal Basecamp trek is one of the most beautiful trips in the world (Bruce Manning). One of the many terraced hillsides on the trek to Everest basecamp (Elselien te Hennepe). Annie and Dolma, Buddhist nuns we met in Tibet several years ago on a trip to Mt. Kailash, two of the kindest trekking staff we've ever met (Dan Mazur).

Trek to Deboche Nunnery and basecamp:This is one of the most beautiful treks in the world with ancient snow-free paths winding past green terraced villages, rushing streams crossed on swinging bridges and each night a comfortable 'teahouse' or a good tent pitched in a quiet pasture beneath the highest peaks in the world. Throughout the trek we eat delicious meals prepared by our skillful cooks. The trek will be moderately paced, allowing plenty of time for acclimatization, rest and site-seeing. Together we retrace the classic "Everest Approach March" made by Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. The trek winds through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on earth, where you can relax in exotic, friendly Sherpa villages. Our trusty yaks and porters carry all of your baggage, so you don't have to carry a heavy rucksack.back to top

Everest basecamp on a misty morning (Fabrice Imparato). Nuns made a special prayer ceremony wishing good luck to our team at the Deboche Nunnery. Thanks to Marcia Macdonald (Dan Mazur)! Our trek team standing in front of Pumori (Mike Martin).

Service Work at Deboche: Before going up to Everest Basecamp and Kala Pattar, we will stop into visit the nuns at the Deboche Nunnery for a few days of service work. We are organizing and putting in a new water system for the convent, as well as preservation work and remodeling the ongoing building rennovations. You do not need to be a professional to help out. Anyone can join and make a difference and we welcome all to come with us for this exciting new Service Trek. Thanks for getting involved!

A view of the Deboche Nunnery and surrounding valley (Marcia Macdonald). A stunning view of Ama Dablam, Asia's most famous mixed snow-ice-rock climb (Elselien te Hennepe). Two of our members up near Everest basecamp (Patty Burritt).

Kala Patar: Just above Gorak Shep is the small hill-ridge of Kala Patar (5,545 metres/18,200 feet). It is a windy path up grassy, rocky slopes to reach the top. It was from here that Eric Shipton helped to choose the first ascent route on Mt Everest, which Tenzing and Hillary climbed in 1953. The mountain behind Kala Patar has an interesting story: Mallory wanted to name a peak after his young daughter. In the Sherpa and Tibetan languages, "Pumo" means girl, and "Ri" means mountain. So Mallory chose to name it Pumori. According to David Padwa, the peak was named during the first Everest reconnaissance.back to top

Who is this trip for?

We encourage men and women from around the world, of all ages to join us as an individual team member or with your own group, whether that is your spouse, partner, friends, sibling, clients, colleagues, etc. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups of people that enjoy trekking, climbing, and traveling together (photo right by Dan Mazur: Ani Dolma, Mia and Squash enjoying making new friends at the Deboche Nunnery).

Previous camping experience is beneficial to enjoying the trip, although not required.

It would be nice if you have some experience with foreign travel, although we are happy to advise and help you if this is your first time out of the country and, for many of our members, it is. back to top

All of the work is done for you, such as cooking, carrying group equipment, setting up tents, etc. Yaks and sherpas will carry all of your personal items so you do not have to carry a heavy rucksack.

It is not necessary to be in extremely good shape to enjoy this trek. If you can have fun walking for 3-6 hours up and down hills with a few 20 minute breaks mixed in, then you can accomplish this trek.

Please "click" one of the links on the column on the upper right of your screen under "Everest Basecamp Service Trek" to learn more about our trip.

Sleeping arrangements will be in comfortable and roomy tents while camping, or in comfortable bunks in teahouses;

Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you do not wish to share, you can pay an extra $20 for a single room (during any of the included 4 nights). If you want a room for extra nights, outside of the included 4 nights, the price will be $30 (single room). Price includes good delicious breakfast and mandatory 25% Nepal government tax and government service charge. Please bring extra cash to pay for your extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, massage, swimming, beauty salon, motorbiking, yoga retreats, river rafting, painting classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, bungie jumping, religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shop, discotheques, airport transfers, Scenic flights around Mount Everest and much much more. Meals in Kathmandu are at your expense.

Sherpas and Equipment Transport: Our trek includes transport of all of your equipment from Kathmandu to your destination, and returned to Kathmandu. While on the trek, we DO NOT ask our members to carry heavy group equipment (although it is an option if you really want to), such as tents, rope, fuel, food, etcetera. We employ climbing sherpas, and high-altitude porters, to carry group equipment and supplies. To learn more, please click here.

Ms. Elselien te Hennepe, looking out into the Imja Tso Lake on the left of the photo on our October 2005 trek. Behind her, on the right side of the photo is Island Peak basecamp at 5,100 meters (16,728 feet) (DL Mazur).

Cooks and Food:On the trek our experienced trekking cooks provide delicious meals. Our skillful and hard working cooks prepare three hot meals each day with a very healthy diet of fresh vegetables, cheeses, eggs, and fresh as well as tinned fruits, meats and fish (all meats and fish are prepared separately out of respect for the vegetarians in our midst). They supply you with unlimited hot-drinks, the key to successful acclimatization.

Hotel:Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you do not wish to share, you can pay an extra $20 for a single room (during any of the included 4 nights). If you want a room for extra nights, outside of the included 4 nights, the price will be $30 (single room). Price includes good delicious breakfast and mandatory 25% Nepal government tax and government service charge. Please bring extra cash to pay for your extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, massage, swimming, beauty salon, motorbiking, yoga retreats, river rafting, painting classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, bungie jumping, religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shop, discotheques, airport transfers, Scenic flights around Mount Everest and much much more. Meals in Kathmandu are at your expense.

Group Equipment:We provide a plethora of top-quality, and time-tested equipment, group gear, and supplies, including: trekking tents; cookers, fuel, food, walkie-talkie radios, etcetera. Please see the group EQUIPMENT link, in the menu bars above to study what we bring for your use and safety.

Safety:Our expeditions are allowed access to our extensive communications equipment, medical supplies, first-aid kits, medical oxygen, and a gamow bag in case of emergency. Thank you for being a well-prepared and safe team member!

*What is not included?

Visa and Passport: Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa was $100 USD. 30 days visa cost $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport). Thank you. Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months fom the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.

Additional expenses like bottled or canned drinks on the trek, tips and gratuities, and expenses of a personal nature (ie: laundry or gift shopping) are not included.

We recommend the following tip for our group staff:Everest Basecamp Service Trek: $100. Expect to pay the above tip no matter what.

We start with a pre-trip meeting and a chance to go over equipment for your trek. After our meeting we start a guided tour of several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these sites are considered World Heritage sites: including Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple” Swayambhunath. and the Buddhist Stupa at Bouddhanath. Back to Top

Budish stupa at Chabil chok. Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Photo Elselien te Hennepe

The temple is an oddity among temples in Nepal as it opens its doors to the public only once a year, on Maha Navami during Navarati. Photo Christina Kristensen. Kali - Hindu Goddess - ferocious form of Devi at Dhoka Durbar Square. Photo Christina Kristensen

DAY 3 – Flight to Lukla (2886 meters) and trek to Phakding (2640m)

We catch an early morning flight to Lukla. After our adventurous 30 minute flight across the green mountains and farmland above Kathmandu we approach the snow covered peaks of the Himalaya…One of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminates in a dramatic landing in Lukla. Here we meet our mountain crew members and after lunch we trek some 3 ½ hours to the village of Phakding. Back to Top

Good weather at 8AM on the Lukla Heli Pad. Maybe I will get to be on one of these planes...

Tea houses at Phakding. Photo by Hyker. Our trek is one of the most beautiful trips in the world (Bruce Manning).

DAY 4 – Trek to Namache (3440m)

The track leads us along the Dudh Koshi river – crossing many suspension bridges beneath the towering peak of Thamserku (6618m). After passing through scenic Sherpa villages, we arrive at the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park. We then start our ascent of the famous ‘Namache Wall’ and get our first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse Nuptse ridge. After a stop at Chautara to admire the view, we continue hiking into Namache Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and gateway to the Everest region. Back to Top

Last Bridge of the Day 1. Photo Nate Janega. Prayer in Stone. Photo Nate Janega

DAY 5 – Acclimatizing day in Namche (3440 m)

Today is an important acclimatizing day. Health experts recommend us to stay active and move about during our rest day. We may spend the day taking a short hike to the Everest View Hotel or relaxing and exploring Namche…making sure we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day. Namche has an ATM, government offices, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market open on the weekends. A side trip to the Tourist Center and Museum will show us historical displays of Everest’s first ascents, Sherpa culture and the plant and animal life of the region. Back to Top

The Bazar at Namche. Photo Nate Janega. Namche! Photo Nate Janega

Animal seen in Namche hill. Photo by Stephanie. Animal seen in Namche hill. Photo by Stephanie.View of Nuptse, Lhotse, Everest just 15 minutes walk from Namche. Photo by Deha

DAY 6 – Trek to Thame (3820m)

The trail to Thame is also the main trail to Tibet over the famous escape route - the Nangpa La. Our trail, with its views of the Konde Ri (6187m), stays high above the Bhote Koshi river as it wanders through beautiful forests and small Sherpa settlements. We reach our lunch stop at Thamo which is the site of a newly restored Tibetan nunnery rising high above the village. The track continues along high above the river until it crosses the Bhote Koshi in a spectacular gorge before climbing into the famous climbing village of Thame. Back to Top

Thame. Prayer flag ridge. Photo Mingma tenjing sherpa

DAY 7 – Trek to Thyangbo (4230m)

Leaving Thame we strike out toward a most beautiful unspoiled area of the Himalaya. As the trail splits for Tibet and the Rowling valley we stay on the trail to the Tashi Lapcha passing the beautiful old Thame monastery perched on the cliffs above Thame. The trail gradually continues past the mastiffs of Konde, Tenkhangmuche and Pharchamo along the small river coming from the Thyangpo valley with its huge snow covered peaks dropping dramatically to the valley floor. We arrive at a remote farm and the summer yak pastures of Thyangbo. Back to Top

Thyangpo. Photo Mingma tenjing sherpa

DAY 8 – Visit Parechomuche Lake

After breakfast we start hiking up higher toward the Tashi Lapcha Pass and then ascend via a narrow yak trail which continues on to a beautiful, sacred lake – Parenchomuche. During the monsoon festival of Yaar Chhang, people come here to worship this lake. The photographic opportunities here are truly amazing. After exploring the area we return to the farm for another night.

DAY 9 – Trek to Khumjung via Thame (3790m)

We will retrace the track back toward Namache until the trail splits and gradually ascends toward the Syangboche airstrip. Just above the airstrip the trail descends toward Khumjung. This beautiful, historic village is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde, Thamserku and the scared peak of Khumbila. The monastery in Khumjung is said to house a yeti scalp..your call on this! We will also visit the famous Hillary school built by Sir Edmund Hillary – Everest’s first summiteer with Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay. Back to Top

DAY 10 – Trek to Phortse (3950m)

From Khumjung we take the higher trail through a narrow rocky gorge to Mongla. Upon crossing the lower slopes of Khumbila we enjoy mesmerizing views of Cholatse and Taboche and beyond Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtanga. Lower Phortse village lies south of Everest off the main trekking routes. After lunch we descend down to the rushing river and then sharply ascend through an old forest of rhododendrons and paper birch. This beautiful forest is an important habitat for the endangered Musk deer..with luck we will spot them during our climb into Phortse one of the oldest Sherpa villages and home to the new Himalayan Climbing Center. Back to Top

Phortse. Photo Mingma tenjing sherpa

DAY 11 – Trek to Deboche (3820m)

A beautiful trail winds high above the rushing Dudh Koshi river, across a pass to the village of Pangboche. We will stop at the oldest Sherpa monastery to receive good will blessings from the renown Lama Geshe. After a short descent we reach the Deboche nunnery and the tiny village of Deboche.

Approaching Deboche. Beneath the bridge

Chorten. Kumbu covered in Laligurasn

DAY 12 – Rest day at Deboche

An optional morning hike to Prayer Flag Ridge to hang prayer flags. We will visit the famous Tengboche monastery restored by the Canadian and American Himalayan Foundations before heading back to Deboche to meet the nuns and see first hand, the restoration project Back to Top

The oldest Nun's Monastery in Nepal. The main building

DAY 13 – Visit Marcia’s Secret Valley

After attending an early morning Puja at the nunnery we will follow the classic Everest trail before turning onto a gradual climb through a beautiful forest of paper birch, juniper and rhododendron – a habitat for Thar, Musk deer and pheasants. We will come out into a vast, beautiful valley by a rushing glacier stream. While we stop for a picnic lunch you can see the magnificent glacier descending from the peaks of Malangphutang and Khangtega.Back to Top

Marcia Macdonald, one of the Deboche Nunnery project's biggest supporters, sitting on the steps of the convent with the nuns. Photo Marcia Macdonald. Overhead view of Deboche. Photo Mingma Sherpa.

View from the South-East. West Face of Gompa.

One of the Deboche convent houses which requires refurbishment. Team with Marcia MacDonald

Ani Nawang Pema, the oldest and most famous of the Deboche nuns, has been meditating for 50 years (Marcia MacDonald). Anis work in the kitchen preparing a meal around their wood cook stove (Marcia MacDonald)

DAY 14 – Return to Namache (3440m)

After breakfast we head uphill to Tengboche and then steeply descend to the Dudh Koshi river before ascending through the forest to Phunka Tenga and on through the villages of Tashinga, Sansa, and Kyangjuma before returning to Namache. Back to Top

One of the many diverse species of grouse pheasants that populate Everest National Park. Photo Valerie Hovland. Namche as seen from above.

DAY 15 – Trek back to Phakding (2640m)

DAY 16 – Trek to Lukla (2886m)

DAY 17 – Flight back to Kathmandu

DAY 18 – Sightseeing in Kathmandu

A chance to buy last minute gifts and then a celebration dinner for our incredible trek!!

Note: This is a proposed schedule, which has been developed through previous trips. The actual itinerary of your trip can differ depending on such factors as weather and local conditions. For example, the trip may finish earlier than these dates, or we may need every single day of the schedule. Thank you for being patient and flexible when coming to a foreign country like Nepal.

Arriving in Kathmandu:

1) Arrive in Kathmandu.

2) Tour Kathmandu, a beautiful exotic Hindu and Buddhist city with an abundance of ancient temples. Orientation.

Trekking to Deboche:

3) Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 2,840 metre/9,300 feet. Trek to Phakding, where we camp in a comfortable tea house at 2650 metres/8,700 feet.

4) Walk to Namche Bazaar 3,440 metre/11,300 feet.

5) Rest, acclimate, and relax in Namche Bazaar.

6)Trek to Deboche, 3,900 metres/12,800 feet.

Deboche Nunnery:

7) In Deboche - help dig new waterline, restoration work on buildings, visit with nuns, etcetera.

8) In Deboche - help dig new waterline, restoration work on buildings, visit with nuns, etcetera.

9) In Deboche - help dig new waterline, restoration work on buildings, visit with nuns, etcetera.

10) In Deboche - help dig new waterline, restoration work on buildings, visit with nuns, etcetera.

Trekking to Everest Basecamp:

11) Walk along to the village of Pheriche, 4,250 metres/13,900 feet.

12) Walk along to the village of Dughla at 4,620 metres/15,150 feet.

13) Walk along to the villageLobuche, 4,930 metres/16,200 feet .

14) A short day up the Khumbu glacier takes us to the rocky outpost of Gorak Shep, with three cozy teahouses at 5,160 metres/16,900 feet.

15) Walk up to Everest basecamp, which lies atop the Khumbu glacier at 5,300 metres/17,400 feet. Return to Gorak Shep.

16) Trek up Kala Patar (5,545 metres/18,200 feet). This evening we stay in Pheriche at 4,250 metres/14,000 feet. Back to Top

Going Home:

17) Walk back to Tengboche

18) We will walk back to Namche Bazaar.

19) Walk downfrom Namche to Lukla.

20) Return flightto Kathmandu.

21) Extra day of rest and celebrationin Kathmandu. Do take a taxi out to Bhaktapur if you wish to visit an impressive temple city.

22) Flight Home. Good Bye everyone,it was nice meeting you! Back to Top

Support trek to the Pema Choling Buddhist women’s convent, also known as the Deboche Nunnery (also spelled Debouche Nunnery and Debouche Monastery), where 20 impoverished nuns live in a leaky old convent, while also getting to walk to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar. The building is falling down, and many tourists walk past and never consider it. The nunnery was built in 1928 and it has had little or no maintenance since. The convent is the “sister-monastery” to the famous Thyangboche monastery on top of the hill between beautiful Deboche and Namche, along the Everest basecamp trek. The men who live in the monastery on top of the hill have brand new buildings with fancy paintings and solid walls and intact roofs, while the women live at the bottom of the slope in very simple (and leaky) circumstances. We plan to help with putting in a new water system and remodeling the building the nuns share for a few days before heading up to Everest base camp and Kala Pattar

Everest was first climbed in 1953 by Hillary and Tenzing, their Base Camp was at Gorak Shep which we will visit. Just above Gorak Shep is the small hill-ridge of Kala Patar (5,545 metres/18,200 feet). It was from here that Eric Shipton helped to choose the first ascent route on Mt Everest, which Tenzing and Hillary climbed in 1953. According to David Padwa, the peak was named by Mallory during the first Everest reconnaissance. The mountain behind Kala Pattar has an interesting story: Mallory wanted to name a peak after his young daughter. In the Sherpa and Tibetan languages, "Pumo" means girl, and "Ri" means mountain. So Mallory chose to name it Pumori.

This easy, peaceful and interesting trek to Everest maximizes many years of accumulated wisdom in the Himalaya, a long and proven record of safe and fun trekking through Nepal, Tibet, China, Africa, and many other fascinating destinations around the world. Our friendly guides and trip leaders are experts at leading interesting groups of men and women throughout Nepal. In addition, they have an intimate knowledge of the Sherpa people and customs and temples and shrines in each picturesque village you stroll through. We must also give credit to our polite and highly experienced, hard-working trekking sherpas, cooking, and office staff. Many of these excellent sherpas who work for us have an intimate knowledge of the beautiful trek to Everest and the comfortable villages we will visit, because this is their home region. They live in this land grew up on farms here, have family and friends in the fun areas we will pass through, making our visit less of the usual tourist experience and more involved with the unique and genuine culture of the Khumbu Valley. They go out of their way to help make your visit remarkable, enjoyable along the way, and create lasting ties with the majestic landscapes and the inhabitants who reside there. This is a truly wonderful trek with an enthusiastic and polite group of friends.

Our Everest Nepal Basecamp trek is one of the most beautiful trips in the world (Bruce Manning). One of the many terraced hillsides on the trek to Everest basecamp (Elselien te Hennepe). Annie and Dolma, Buddhist nuns we met in Tibet several years ago on a trip to Mt. Kailash, two of the kindest trekking staff we've ever met (Dan Mazur).

Style of Trekking-

The Basecamp Service Trek will be moderately paced, allowing plenty of time for acclimatization, a stop in Deboche for a few days of service work and site-seeing and features the classic route to Everest basecamp, where you can follow "Everest Approach March" made by Sir Edmund Hillary and the famous: Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. The trek passes through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on earth and through interesting and friendly Sherpa villages. It's enjoyable walking the wide trails on this relaxing and energizing trek, where our cooks pamper you and our trusty yaks and porters carry all of your baggage, so you don't have to. After completing 4 days of service work at the Deboche Nunnery and a slow and careful walk up to high altitude, with plenty of time for rest and acclimatization, the team will stop at the tiny hamlet beneath Everest: "Gorak Shep". Using Gorak Shep as your basecamp (it was also Hillary's) you have the opportunity to spend an entire day walking up to the modern-day Everest basecamp, where all of the big Everest expeditions now go. The following day you can walk up to the ridge top known as "Kala Patar" for fabulous views of Everest. The donation includes return round-trip domestic flights, cook, food, porters, guide, and everything for your trek, even a visit to basecamp and a fun and easy climb to 5,545 metre/18,200 foot, Kala Patar. back to top

Everest basecamp on a misty morning (Fabrice Imparato). Nuns made a special prayer ceremony wishing good luck to our team at the Deboche Nunnery. Thanks to Marcia Macdonald (Dan Mazur)! Our trek team standing in front of Pumori (Mike Martin).

Itinerary-

The proposed itinerary allows enough time for proper acclimatization and rest days. The weather at this time of year is normally quite good and stable.

Weather-

Throughout the trek temperatures can vary from 27°c to -7°c ( 80°f to 20°f). At night we stay in warm, comfortable teahouse lodges for most of the trek. The wind is the most chilling factor, and can be quite variable, with everything from a flat calm, to brisk at basecamp. There may be snow, rain, mosquitoes in wet areas, blowing dust, heat, and bright sunshine. It is slightly chillier during April trip than in May or October. The coldest portion of the trek is the morning we walk up Kala Patar, where it can get below freezing on average.back to top

Arriving in Kathmandu-

The trip begins in the ancient and colorful city of Kathmandu, and the staff will personally meet your flight at Tribhuvan airport. Tour Kathmandu, a beautiful exotic Hindu and Buddhist city with an abundance of ancient temples. If this is your first visit, we strongly suggest you tour the temples, including the Monkey Temple, atop a small mountain above the Vishnu Mathi river and the Thamel neighborhood, the Pashupatinath Temple, where the cremations are conducted along the Bagmathi River, Boudhanath , an enourmous white massive stupa first built in 600 AD that you can walk around, absolving a lifetime's sin, and finish at the Kathmandu Durbar or King's Square, where the 400 year old Kathmandu capital was situated.

Touring the exotic temples of Bakhtapur, in the Kathmandu Valley (Felix Berg). A holy man praying near the Baghmati River in Kathmandu (Chris Kinny).

We will take this day to finalize arrangements (such as issuing your trekking permit, etc), in between enjoying food and drink at some of the many westernized restaurants in the Thamel neighborhood. Today is an ideal day to pick up extra bits of trekking kit from the plethora of mountain shops selling a surprising variety of good quality new and used mountain clothing, shoes, and nearly everything you might find in a trekking shop in your home country. The local "supermarkets" are great places to stock up on imported chocolates, sweets, and some surprisingly tasty local trekking foods like energy bars, nuts, granola bars, etcetera. back to top

Trekking to Deboche Nunnery and Basecamp-

In a small twin engine, twin pilot, 18 seat propeller driven "Twin-Otter", the trusty workhorse of the Khumbu-Everest trekking trade, we will fly for 40 minutes from Kathmandu to the airstrip at 2,840 metre/9,300 foot-high Lukla and stroll a couple of hours down and through the forested and farmed Dudh Khosi valley with a small clean river ripping through a narrow green rocky mountain studded valley to the picturesque small town of Phakding, where we camp in a field on the river bank at 2,650 metres/8,700 feet. Throughout the entire trek, every day, our bags will be carried by porters and yaks. Interacting with the people transporting our equipment, as well as their livestock, will be an interesting part of our trip, and allow us to set foot into the local culture.

We arise early and have a typically wholesome breakfast of omelettes, toast, porridge and hot drinks, then walk 4-7 hours up through the fir trees and ever-rarer herds of Himalayan Tahr, an endangered large wild mountain sheep. Topping the rim of the Sun Khosi Gorge, we slowly and steadily walk into the steep village of 3,440 metre/12,800 foot high Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Sherpa region, which we will have time to explore. It’s important to drink lots of liquids during today's trek, and you will certainly appreciate the stunning views of Numbur Peak (6,959 metres/23,000 feet) over several cups of tea, in our terraced campsite, in what used to be a potato field on the upper slopes of the town. In 30 minutes walk on a trail traversing the slope towards Everest , we will see our first views of the stunning Ama Dablam and perhaps Everest itself. back to top

The Himalayan Tahr can grow to a metre high and weigh upwards of 100 kg. (http://www.americazoo.com/goto/index/mammals/420.htm). At the gompa of Thyangboche, which burned in 1989, Steve doing some exploring (Liz Stevens). The Pangboche Lama blesses all of us. Here he is blessing our trek employee and trek leader, Ms. Kandu Sherpa. Kandu's sister Maya works for SummitClimb and has become the first Nepalese woman to climb Ama Dablam , Pumori, and Cho Oyu . Kandu would also like to become a climbing Sherpa one day (Liz Stevens).

We rest, acclimate, and relax, in order to soak in the comfortable exotic landscape of this Sherpa kingdom. One of the main features of spending a day in Namche is the opportunity to walk 15 minutes down the slope to partake in the tumult of this bustling sherpa and tourist village, especially the many tasty restaurants, tea-shops, pubs, billiard rooms, and internet cafes. All of the electricity here is locally made micro-hydro electric power, and the telephone and internet connections are wireless/satellite.

From Namche we drop down to the river and the famous tea-stop of Fungki Thangka and have a steep climb up through tree nurseries where you could help with the replanting of the Khumbu valley, which is starting to show signs of over-forestation by sherpas heating water for trekker's hot showers. Throughout this part of the walk, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of endangered herds of Tahr.

Finally cresting a rise in a forest of gorgeous Sub-alpine fir and Hemlock, walking at the feet of the Khumbu giant peaks of Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku, we reach the Buddhist monastery at Thyangboche, which we can visit. The monastery burned in 1989, apparently due to an electric kettle being left on. Tragically the gompa's book collection was ravaged, and during the following years, groups of monks were seen spending hours each day writing with ball-point pens on stenographer's pads, trying to recall ancient texts from memory, which were burned when the fire tore through the library. Here we will find inspiring views of Mt. Everest , Nuptse, Lhotse , Ama Dablam , and a very welcome tea and lunch stop.

A view of the Deboche Nunnery and surrounding valley (Marcia Macdonald). A stunning view of Ama Dablam, Asia's most famous mixed snow-ice-rock climb (Elselien te Hennepe). Two of our members up near Everest basecamp (Patty Burritt).

We will then carry on for an hour through the tiny old-style hamlet of Deboche, in a high altitude birch forest, inside the inspiring Khumbu gorge, where there is a spectacular bridge crossing.

Now at the Deboche Nunnery, we will begin our 4 days of service work helping to dig a new waterline, work on restoring the faltering buildings, meet and visit with the nuns, and help out with daily tasks.

There are twenty nuns at the Deboche Nunnery, including four elderly, eight from the Solukhumbu and eight from Tibet. They also help nuns from all over Nepal, who come to visit, stay and learn different prayers and ceremonies in a kind of religious exchange programme. Not only that, but the Deboche Nunnery provides crucial refuge for beleaguered Tibetan nuns. Plans to rebuild parts of the old nunnery, bring a fresh water line to the kitchen and develop new nun’s quarters and a retreat centre are underway thanks to your support in thsi Service Trek. The idea is to bring new nuns and foreign students of meditation and Buddhism together, as well as breathe life back into this 80 year old convent.

After our service work is over, we will say goodbye to our new friends and walk to the village of Pangboche, 3,900 metres/12,800 feet, a religious village and the home of the Khumbu Lama, the most respected Buddhist leader in the upper Khumbu valley. This is a long day of trekking, but after all is said and done, you only gain 350 metres/1,150 feet. From Pangboche village, one can enjoy the most stunning views of Ama Dablam , Everest , and the imposing south face of Lhotse . back to top

From Pangboche we enjoy a walk along the beautiful Dudh Kosi gorge, to the enourmous flat valley where lies the village of Pheriche. At 4,250 metres/13,900 feet, it’s where the famous Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) health clinic is located. Pheriche is the last permanent Sherpa settlement. Here we have spectacular views of Nuptse, Lobuche, Cholatse, Ama Dablam and many others.

Two bridges over the Pangboche gorge. The new bridge is the higher one. Sherpas love to hang prayer flags all over their bridges. Looking down on Pangboche at 3,900 metres/12,800 feet (Steve Miscione).

A few hours of walking up a rocky slope brings us to the former yak herder's outpost of Dugla at 4,620 metres/15,150 feet, where a comfortable lodge provides an ideal spot to spend the rest of the day and night, where we can relax, rest, acclimate and drink tea. back to top

Monuments to fallen climbers, known as "chortens" atop the Dugla Hill, with Ama Dablam in the background (Steve Miscione). The view of Lobuche peak from the teahouse at Lobuche at 4,930metres/16,200 feet (Liz Stevens).

Hiking across grassy hills, up the rest of the Dugla Hill and through enormous boulders brings us to 4,930 metre/16,200 foot Lobuche, with stunning views of Lobuche peak and Cholatse. Along the way we cross over the Dugla Hill where we are confronted by a knoll studded with chortens, monuments to fallen climbers and Sherpas who have died on Mt. Everest over the years. You will probably recognize several of the names on the memorials.

A short day up the Khumbu glacier takes us to the rocky outpost of Gorak Shep, with three cozy teahouses at 5,160 metres/16,900 feet. We will tuck into a comfortable tea house and marvel at the lovely views of Everest , Nuptse, Pumori, Lobuche, and so many other vast mountains that tower around us, as if our tiny teahouse was a crumb of bread in the jaws of a dragon. We eat and drink a lot up here, so you will have a good chance to rest and recuperate. The nights can be very chilly up here, so you will enjoy bundling up in your warm, fleece, pile, or duvet/down jacket, and wearing your wooly hat, especially in the evening. back to top

One interesting thing about trek life is being woken up every morning by these Himalayan Ular Snow Cocks (Web).

Ms. Elselien te Hennepe, looking out into the Imja Tso Lake on the left of the photo on our October 2005 trek. Behind her, on the right side of the photo is Island Peak basecamp at 5,100 meters (16,728 feet) (DL Mazur).

Those of us who are feeling well will wake up early and walk up to Everest basecamp which lies atop the Khumbu glacier at 5,300 metres/17,400 feet. There is a good trail on rocks and scee all the way to basecamp, where you will see several spectacular crashed Russian helicopters. Then we will return to Gorak Shep for another warm night, lots of tea, and a delicious meal.

With an early start we trek to the top of Kala Patar (5,545 metres/18,200 feet) to see the breathtaking views of Everest . Here is where Shipton stood in 1952, to plan the successful ascent of Everest . After climbing to the top of Kala Patar, we shall walk down to Gorak Shep and have a relaxing lunch, followed by a short walk down to Lobuche and camp. We now walk back down the valley, retracing our steps to Pheriche, and enjoy the final stunning views of the stunning Everest massif. If you are joining our Island Peak trip , here is where you will branch off for the village of Chukkung.back to top

Going Home-

After packing up all of your equipment, supplies, and rubbish, you will make the return trek to Lukla. The following morning, you are up early, and fly back to Kathmandu, where you can enjoy a hot shower and a grand Nepalese western-style feast. In Kathmandu, you can have a day to relax, celebrate, tour the valley, write postcards, and do a bit more shopping, before heading home. We hope you had a safe, enjoyable, and successful adventure. Thanks for joining in! back to top

TREK LEADER – Marcia Macdonald: a 12 year veteran of trekking/expedition adventures into Nepal’s Himalaya is also the Project Leader of the Deboche Project.

GUIDE – Mingma Tenzin Sherpa: One of the Everest region’s most popular and professional mountain/trekking guides. Born in the Sherpa capital of Namache, a graduate of Kathmandu University, Mingma speaks excellent English and his knowledge of Nepal’s history, Tibetan/Sherpa culture and Buddhist traditions will continually impress you...not to mention his wonderful sense of humor. Mingma is our Deboche Project Coordinator.please click here. for details.

A meeting on the roof of our hotel, where we describe the plan of our expedition. The audience, our trekkers and climbers. Felix and Arnold demonstrating the members high mountain equipment before a shopping trip to one of Kathmandu's 50 mountain shops to purchase any needed essentials for the members (Franck Pitula).

Sherpas:We hire Sherpas and high altitude porters in a support capacity, and now have 23 of these very experienced, friendly, strong, helpful, and loyal people on our staff, including some of Nepal's best climbers and some of Nepal's only women Sherpas. Some of our Sherpas have been to the summit of Everest and led treks to Everest Basecamp countless times. One of our lady sherpas just became the first Nepalese woman to reach the summit of Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Cho Oyu. Many of our sherpas have personally assisted foreign climbers to the summits of more than ten of the highest peaks in the Himalaya.

During our trek they will be carrying group equipment such as tents, rope, food, and gas. They are also there to assist in any rescues and provide help in the extreme case that there is a sick member. Many of them hail from the areas we will be trekking through, personally knowing the route, villages, and people we will experience on our visit. They have an intimate knowledge of the area, making our trek more authentic and rewarding for our members and less of a common tourist experience.

Our staff in Kathmandu are available to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It does not matter which day nor at what time you arrive or depart Kathmandu, they will meet your flight, take you to the hotel, help you find essential things like money changing, shopping, arrange tours of the city, etcetera.

Extensive experience is not required for trekking to Everest basecamp and doing service work at the Deboche Nunnery for a few days. The most important thing is for members to be in adequate walking fitness.back to top

Fitness and Health:

It's not necessary to be in extremely good shape to enjoy this service trek. If you can have fun walking for 3-6 hours with a few 20 minute breaks mixed in, you can accomplish this trek.

Prior to joining our group, please see your doctor and obtain the necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for travel in extremes of altitude, and also for exotic locales.

Note: You can purchase all necessary medicines inexpensively with no doctor's prescription in Kathmandu. On our application form we ask you to inform of us your condition, previous illnesses, health and medical situations we should know about, what medications you are taking, etcetera. Please help us to be informed by being honest and fully truthful when you complete it. Thank you. back to top

Training Prior to the Expedition:

If you are in good shape from regular exercise, it is likely you are already more than prepared to enjoy this trek. Here are some fun training tips below.

In the beginning, to see how you handle the training, and to avoid muscle strains that could slow your training down, you may wish to use shorter more frequent but less taxing workouts, and take more rest. After you get "up to speed" as it were, you could increase the rigour. Older walkers, please take note of the latter. Also remember that swimming and bicycling are a fun and excellent form of training because they do not put stress upon your joints. Thank you.

In order to train well for your trip you should work toward excercising a few times a week for about 30 minutes each time.

Adequate rest and a well balanced diet are also essential to avoid injury and illness before the trip. You should sleep at least 8 hours per night, and eat 3 nutritious meals a day. Don't forget that you will perspire when you train, so try to drink lots of water.

Utilising both gym equipment and the great outdoors will provide more balanced exercise. You should try to accomplish at least half of your workouts outside. This could include walking, running, and cycling, but above all should be fun. Hillwalking with a pack weighing 5-10 Kilos/10-20 pounds is good preparation for trekking.

We want you to arrive for your expedition in top shape, so please take plenty of rest and do not over-do it.back to top

Training During the Expedition:

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, members are requested to participate in one to two days of orientation to how the trip will be conducted. There will be plenty of time for discussion, question answering, and for equipment review and purchasing. Training will be conducted both in Kathmandu in the areas of trekking techniques, safety techniques, medical equipment and procedures, communications equipment, camping techniques and high-altitude cooking. For the expert and beginner alike, it is important to review these techniques in order to enhance skills, ensure safety-awareness, and work together as a team.back to top

We hope that you will arrive for your Everest Basecamp Service Trek in good health, both mentally and physically prepared, so we can work together as a team and have a successful expedition.

Below is a detailed list of equipment you need to bring for Everest Basecamp Service Trek and at the bottom is a description of team equipment that we bring for you. (Click Link below to go directly to that section of the personal equipment list or just scroll down):

At least 1 closed cell foam kari-mats. We do not recommend inflatable mats, as we have never seen one not puncture. You can buy these non inflatable mats very inexpensively in Kathmandu. Why carry foam mats around the world, when you can purchase them inexpensively in Kathmandu?

Your sleeping bags should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags. back to top

Rucksack and Travel Bags-

1 medium backpack (40-60 liters, can be used for airplane carry);

Waterproof rucksack cover (optional);

1 large kit-travel bag with lock (80-100 liters for checked bag);back to top

Personal Hygiene-

1 toothpaste/brush;

1 bar soap/1 small towel;

female or male hygiene supplies;

1 set earplugs;

Medical-

Medications are inexpensive and readily available in Kathmandu with no doctor's prescription. Small personal first-aid kit.

1 small bottle of hand-sanitizer suncream for skin and lips. minimum factor 20

Extra prescription glasses, contact lens supplies. Contact lens wearers, WARNING: your contact lenses might not work well on the mountain, please carry glasses at all times in case of emergency. A new pair could be quickly made in Kathmandu for just $40. Please order prior to arrival if you are interested. A new pair could be quickly made in Kathmandu back to top

Personal Food-

On the trek we supply plenty of food for you and cook 3 hot meals each day. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas will be carrying this food to the higher camps.

We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods. We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2 kilos/4 pounds, is a good amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country.Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.

1 pr. sunglasses. For eyeglass wearers, prescription glacier glasses are best and are available inexpensively in Kathmandu with your prescription for just $40. Please order in advance if you are interested;

extra prescription glasses, contact lens supplies. Contact lens wearers, please bring glasses in case of emergency. A new pair could be quickly made in Kathmandu for just $20. Please order in advance if you are interested;

Please be sure and bring your patience and try to keep an open, relaxed, positive and friendly attitude as travelling in this part of the world may be very different than what you are used to, but things always seem to fall into place at the last moment. Thank you.

This is not an exhaustive list. Please submit other equipment concerns and suggestions. Thank you. back to top

Group Equipment:

We provide a plethora of top-quality, and time-tested equipment, group gear, and supplies, including: trekking tents; cookers, fuel, high-altitude food, walkie-talkie radios, bamboo marker wands, etcetera. Please see the group EQUIPMENT link, in the menu bars above to study what we bring for your use and safety.

1. You can raise funds by finding members for our expeditions. When you refer members to us, who join our teams, we send you a cash commission as a "Thank You" for your efforts. If you were able to send us numerous people during any calendar year, you could earn upwards of $30,000, £15,500 (GBP), €24,690 (Euro).

2. We offer discounts for groups if you have any friends who wish to join us:5% discount for groups of 2-3 10% discount for groups of 4-6

3. You could sell small items such as embroidered ties, screen-printed t-shirts, embroidered caps, embroidered day-sacks, embroidered jackets, emblazoned tea-mugs, tie-tacks, cufflinks, earrings, etcetera. Two former and current expedition members have been logo-designers and professional screen-printers and embroiderers for many years. They are Scott and Becky, and their email address is: barylski@sbcglobal.net A KEY FACTOR in this kind of fund-raising is the cost of producing the items. You should obtain costs and prices for production in Britain, Europe, the States, and Nepal. For example, the cost of producing 100 embroidered cotton "T-shirts" per item in Britain might be 5 pounds each, but in Kathmandu it would be just 2 pounds. Plan carefully how you will be marketing these items before ordering them.

4. Hosting a fundraising lecture, dance, concert, play, ball, race, car wash, or other event in your community. Many of our past and current members have used these methods. During the above events, additional funds can be raised with auctions and raffles of donated outdoor mountain equipment, etc;

5. Doing charity non-profit fundraising as part of fundraising for your team-membership. This is one of the most common ways to raise funds, and your team-membership can become a very valuable way to raise funds for important and needed charities and non profits;

6. Finding a corporate sponsor to offset costs and provide equipment in return for marketing and name recognition. This may be one large sponsor, or it might be several smaller ones. These sponsors often like to see their logo sewn on clothing, screenprinted on tents, mentioned in media stories, advertising, etc;

7. Organizing an "expedition-support-trek" to accompany you on the expedition. This can be a popular way to raise funds where the donors have an exciting experience, and you "add-on" a bit to cover your own costs and perhaps also an included donation to a selected charity;

8. Leading donors on walks, climbs, and outings in your local mountains and hills. Often overlooked, these local outings with donors may be a good way for them to get involved, meet you personally, and can be given as gifts to friends, etcetera.

9. We do provide assistance with managing funds your sponsors provide. It is often the case that a large sponsor will not pay you the funds directly, rather, they insist the funds be sent to us. Perhaps they are concerned that the monies might be used incorrectly if they were sent to you, so sending the money to us ensures that funds are used only for the expedition. Whatever the case, in case your sponsor has "overpaid" us, by sending more monies than are required, we can reimburse you by posting you a cheque, making a deposit into an account you designate, etcetera.

Please fill out our online request information form . Please be sure and tell us which expeditions and treks you are interested in and mention your experience, qualifications, etcetera . Please send us your email, postal address, and telephone number (which will remain absolutely confidential, we never share your addresses, phone numbers, or any personal details).

Firstly, carefully read all of the associated information here on the website, ask questions and discuss it with us, print out your application from this website, then complete, sign, and post the application forms, and additional required documents immediately. Include your 10 percent refundable deposit, passport photocopy, 2 passport size photos (name printed on reverse), proof of insurance, and other required documents such as flight itinerary (may be sent now or follow later).

Here is a checklist of what we need to have in your file at least two months before the trip begins. We encourage you to send an electronic scan of all of the below documents, please be sure they are signed. Thank you:

[ ] Completed Payment,[ ] Trip Registration Form (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Participant Release and Acknowledgement of Risk (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Terms and Conditions of Booking (part of 4 page form), [ ] Signed Medical Form (part of 4 page form), [ ] 1 Passport sized photo, which is a simple, very clear picture of your face, sent as an email scan. (We simply require a picture of your face against a white background. You can take it yourself for free with your own digital camera or smart phone),[ ] Exact photocopy of passport identification pages, [ ] Exact photocopy of complete flight itinerary, [ ] Proof of travel, accident, rescue and repatriation insurance (cancellation insurance is advised).

Please do let us know what further questions you may have about the registration process, or anything else for that matter. Thank you.

We are friendly and highly experienced expedition leaders, climbers, trekkers and organizers, with a 17+ year track record of building high-quality, safe, friendly and fun climbing & trekking teams and successfully placing our team members to their destination, helping them achieve their goals, and getting home safely. Our leaders and our top team of sherpas are not licensed guides, but some of the most qualified Himalayan mountain and trekking specialists available. We are there to assist the entire group. This is a team effort. Our leaders and sherpas are there to help all members safely and successfully trek within their abilities.

If you are in good shape from regular exercise, it is likely you are already prepared to enjoy this trek. Here are some fun training tips below.

In the beginning, to see how you handle the training, and to avoid muscle strains that could slow your training down, you may wish to use shorter more frequent but less taxing workouts, and take more rest. After you get "up to speed" as it were, you could increase the rigour. Older walkers, please take note of the latter. Also remember that swimming and bicycling are a fun and excellent form of training because they do not put stress upon your joints. Thank you.

In order to train well for your trip you should work toward excercising a few times a week for about 30 minutes each time.

Adequate rest and a well balanced diet are also essential to avoid injury and illness before the trip. You should sleep at least 8 hours per night, and eat 3 nutritious meals a day. Don't forget that you will perspire when you train, so try to drink lots of water.

Utilising both gym equipment and the great outdoors will provide more balanced exercise. You should try to accomplish at least half of your workouts outside. This could include walking, running, and cycling, but above all should be fun. Hillwalking with a pack weighing 5-10 Kilos/10-20 pounds is good preparation for trekking.

We want you to arrive for your expedition in top shape, so please take plenty of rest and do not over-do it.

We recommend that you shop carefully and frugally for your clothing and climbing equipment. Below we have listed some of the least expensive shops we know about in Kathmandu, UK, Seattle, Canada, Chamonix, and Hong Kong. If you hear of any others, we would like to know about them, as we wish to tell our members where they can purchase equipment affordably.

Kathmandu has a wide variety of inexpensive used and competitively priced equipment, boots, shoes, and clothing; In over 50 well-stocked mountaineering and trekking shops. Be sure to purchase your closed cell kari-mat foam mattresses in Kathmandu. Why bring duffle bags of foam mats on your international flight? Please send us an email to request a Kathmandu price list.

For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here". For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here" . For more information about how much cash to bring for a Service Trek, please "click here" .

Below we have listed several inexpensive shops around the world. It may be best to telephone them directly with your questions, as they are very busy and do not always answer email enquiries in a timely manner. When you do contact them, always be sure to mention your name and the name of our company and expedition leaders to them, as we send them many customers and they often give our members substantial discounts. You may or may not choose to purchase the product from them, but it should give you a good idea of what the fair price for the equipment should be. We especially recommend Second Ascent in Seattle, as it has a very large selection of second hand, discontinued, and rental mountain climbing equipment and clothing.

We encourage you to join us as an individual team member. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups of people that enjoy trekking together.

Because there are a group of you, you can benefit from our group discounts:

2+ persons receive a five percent discount (we also provide discounts for doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners, returning members and combining trips). If you would be so kind as to send the email and postal addresses of the other person(s) in the group, we would be glad to send them the information and a colour card as well. Thanks.

We send out a newsletter with all of the logistics for your arrival in Nepal approximately one month prior to the trek. At this point, we usually share your email address with the other team members, so you may meet one another.

Throughout the trek temperatures can vary from 27°c to -7°c ( 80°f to 20°f). At night we stay in warm, comfortable teahouse lodges for most of the trek. The wind is the most chilling factor, and can be quite variable. There may be snow, rain, mosquitoes in wet areas, blowing dust, heat, and bright sunshine. We will be traveling at lower altitudes during the trek, so the weather is usually quite comfortable.

Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa is approximately $100 USD & a 30 day visa costs approximately $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport). Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months fom the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.”

Many medical precautions are advised, including vaccinations. Please see your local tropical/travel medicine clinic, physician, or general practitioner. There are also numerous immunization resources on the internet, and one of the

http://ciwec-clinic.com/

e best is from Kathmandu's famous CIWEC Clinic:

Note: You can purchase all necessary medicines inexpensively with no doctor's prescription in Kathmandu, but we recommend you obtain the vaccinations in your home country.

If you decide to cancel your membership, your payment will be refunded according to the refund policy contained in the registration forms. We urge you to purchase cancellation insurance whenever possible. We are able to hold your payment with no penalty, if you decide to go on another trip at a later date.

We have not canceled a trip before. If we decide to cancel the trip, 100 percent of your payment shall be returned.

Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, and the harsh "no-refund" policies of third-world tour operators and government mountaineering offices, We must adhere to a stringent refund policy. PARTICIPANTS ARE ADVISED TO PURCHASE TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE. Specific cancellation and refund policies may supersede those enumerated below. If you cancel your trip membership 60 or more days before scheduled departure, this will result in an 75% refund. 59-30 days before scheduled departure will result in a 50% refund. 29-14 days before scheduled departure will result in a 25% refund, 13 or less days before scheduled departure results in zero refund.

Is it possible to get a tax deductible receipt for the Service Trek donation and my flight cost?Open in a new window

If you are going for the tax deductible option on the Service Trek then your cheque has to be made payable as follows:

In the US, please make out the cheques for the contribution payable to the Mountain Fund. Here is the address:

Mountain Fund

Care of SummitClimb Inc.

POB 123

Lakebay, WA, 98349

For the rest of the world, please make out the cheques for the donation payable to Rural Assistance Nepal. Here is the address:

We welcome all members to join this trek, including medical practitioners, educators, farmers, gardeners, technicians, builders, and everyone else. You don't have to be an expert to make a difference.

Our Service Trekkers come from various fields and backgrounds. The most important thing is that you come with an open mind to help make a difference, participate, and do as much as you feel comfortable in doing to contribute.

Only about half of our former Service Trek members have been teachers or medical practitioners and we welcome everyone to come share their ideas and help make Nepal a better and more sustainable place.

We encourage you to meet with the trekking leader(s) during our Lecture Tour . Each year our leaders tour the world and present slide and video lectures detailing their recent climbs in order to raise money for charities/non-profits, such as the MountEverestFoundation.org . Please enquire as to the possibility of hosting or attending such a presentation in your locale.

In addition, we urge you to participate in our GLACIER SCHOOL held each spring and autumn, where you can meet and climb together with the leader(s).

All of our treks include sherpas for the group. We hire Sherpas and high altitude porters in a support capacity, and now have 23 of these very experienced, friendly, strong, helpful, and loyal people on our staff, including some of Nepal's best climbers and some of Nepal's only women Sherpas. Some of our Sherpas have been to the summit of Everest more than 7 times. One of our lady sherpas just became the first Nepalese woman to reach the summit of Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Cho Oyu. Many of our sherpas have personally assisted foreign climbers to the summits of more than ten of the highest peaks in the Himalaya. During our expedition they will be carrying group equipment such as tents, rope, food, and gas. They are also there to assist in any rescues of a sick member.

Your expedition is organized by our British, European, American, Nepalese, Tibetan, and Chinese office personnel working on-the-ground together as well as in your home-country. For example, one of our lead organizers is the very experienced Dan Mazur, trekking in Nepal since 1986 and climber-leader-organizer of Everest, K2, and 12 "eight-thousand-metre-peaks". He is a relaxed, friendly and well organized person, and a highly-skilled professional with 25 years experience in helping people explore the mountains, with the highest attention to detail, comfort, and safety.

It is customary that each trekking member will make a contribution toward staff gratuities. Our staff are extremely proud of their efforts, and receiving a gratuity is a matter of the utmost honour, a mark of recognition of a job well done. We will "pool" these tips together and then, as a group, we will vote on the distribution of the tips to the individual staff. This method has seemed to be the fairest and has worked very well in the past. Our staff of more than 23 Sherpas is an extremely loyal and hard working group. You will be duly impressed by their level of effort and reliability. The main reason our staff are consistently some of the hardest working people in town, on trek, and on the mountain, is that they know they can rely on the generosity of our members to consistently provide a good tip. Please be sure to keep up the tradition, for future team members, as you have benefited from the reliable generosity of team members who came before you. Thank you very much.

The "staff tip" will be $100 per foreign trekker. Expect to pay this tip no matter what.

Please do. Clothing and equipment gifts are highly appreciated. Also, Sherpa children and wives and sisters and mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers need clothing and shoes too. Please remember that sherpas come in all shapes and sizes, from children to adults. Items that are very small or very large can be traded for items that fit. There are men and women Sherpas, and they may be tall, short, extra-large, large, medium or small. The clothing and equipment you bring will be collected from you at the end of each expedition, then stock-piled by the lead staff and handed out to the Sherpas at the beginning of each expedition. In this way, we can ensure that they will actually use it during the expedition and not sell it immediately.

Here is a list of items that are needed broken into sections. Please click a link below to go directly to that list or scroll down.

Members are men and women from around the world who enjoy touring, walking, trekking, camping, and being in the mountains with friends. Our youngest member was age 18, and our oldest 82 years of age. The average age is 36, with many members in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. We have neither a lower nor an upper limit on group size.

PLEASE NOTE: We seek out members who can bring to this expedition a friendly spirit of team-work, as trekking is all about cooperation and working together and getting on with your team-mates.

Quite often, during our lecture tours, we organize meets of our team-members. Please enquire as to the possibility of this in your area. Also, in our GLACIER SCHOOLS past, present, future, and prospective members are able to meet and climb together. Approximately one month prior to the expedition we send out a newsletter with all of the logistics for your arrival in Nepal. At this point, we usually share your email address with the other team members, so you may meet one another.

We have been told that our members and groups get along extremely well, and members are pleased to learn how enjoyable our treks are, and often say how pleasantly surprised they are by how well our team members and staff and leaders function together.

Most members prefer a single room while in Kathmandu. Our trek-tents are based on sharing.

Each night, our group will camp in an established campsite or teahouse where there are multiple trekking tents. Throughout the trekking days and camping nights, our leaders and sherpas will be trekking and camping together with you to help set up tents and make sure you are staying healthy and safe and that things are going well.

The average group has probably been 4 people, with half of all treks having less, and half having more members. As we add members to our team, we hire more Sherpas to assist the group as a whole, bring additional supplies and equipment, and add additional leaders and assistant-leaders.

We encourage you to join us as an individual team member. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups of people that enjoy trekking together.

Can I earn a commission for referring my friends, colleagues, clients, or a group?Open in a new window

We offer a 5% cash "finders-fee", paid to you for each of your friends and colleagues who become a member of our team.

Often, someone is well-placed as a guide, lecturer, eminent community figure, travel agent or tour operator, etcetera. We are glad to offer increasing commissions based on multiple referrals to any of our various trips and classes in any calendar year. In the past, those that had referred members for our Service Treks donated the money back to the Mount Everest Foundation.

Our prices reflect our honesty, integrity, efficiency, and emphasis on providing a safe, high quality treks for a fair price, as our company was founded 17 years ago by climbers for climbers, and we still have some of the original founders with us and strive to maintain these priorities. In addition, we have very long experience and deep connections with the mountaineering authorities in Nepal and Tibet, and we are fortunate to receive favourable prices and better treatment. Even though our prices are less, our approach reflects the best possible value for money and emphasizes effective team building within our own trek, as well as good relations with everyone along the trek.

We are dedicated to a philosophy of encouraging trekking and mountaineering by keeping costs to a minimum and welcome team members who are willing to share in achieving our objectives. All of our European, British, or US staff and leaders began their Himalayan climbing careers as paying team members. Thus, we never charge more for a trip than we would be willing to pay ourselves. We have excellent relations with the government authorities who regulate the world of mountain climbing permits, liaison officers, yak drivers, etcetera.

Additionally, our staff of more than 23 Sherpas are very long term, loyal, hard-working, and honest employees. We take good care of our staff and their families, and they work for a fair wage in return for steady employment. We help our Sherpa's families in many ways, and have been building schools and hospitals in their villages, and helping to protect their local environments for several years. Our agents and local on-the-ground operators are long term employees and they provide services at a competitive cost, in return for fair compensation and our return business, year-after-year.

This is neither a luxury nor a 5-star expedition. Our equipment and methods are basic, simple, and proven over more than 50 Himalayan expeditions and countless treks. We re-use our equipment and re-hire our staff over many treks and expeditions. Our food is well prepared, abundant, and nutritious, but we do not use expensive imported foods. We neither print nor post expensive brochures.

Leader: Cost includes a very experienced and qualified British, European, or American leader;

Organization: During this full-service expedition, you will benefit from the organization provided by Dan Mazur. He is a relaxed, friendly and well organized person, and a highly-skilled professional with years of experience in getting people to the summit and back down with the highest attention to safety. He has been leading and organizing successful and safe overland, trekking, and mountaineering expeditions for over 20 years, to Tibet, Nepal, Tadjikistan, Pakistan, India, China, Africa, and North America.

Nepalese Sherpa-English speaking guides for the group (we are also able to provide Sherpa French and German speakers);

Transport to basecamp to/from Kathmandu, for you and equipment, including all internal / domestic flights Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu;

Yak and porter transport for all your equipment from Lukla to and from to your final destination on the trek and back down;

Three meals per day during the trek, normally these may be cooked, but sometimes, during trekking, they may be a "packed-lunch".

Hotel :Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip but not food.For more information,please click here .

We recommend the following tip for our group staff:Everest Basecamp Service Trek: $125. Expect to pay the above tip no matter what.

Also not included are:International flights, personal clothing and equipment (sleeping bag, boots, etc.), visas, vaccinations, health, travel and rescue insurance, snack-energy food, gratuities, drinks on the road or in town, expenses of a personal nature, changes to the pre-planned itinerary (such as early departure), and expenses while traveling away from the group or leader. Not included are unexpected expenses, such as expenses due to emergencies, rescues, weather, political situations, transport delays, etc.

Throughout the trek temperatures can vary from 27°c to -7°c ( 80°f to 20°f). At night we stay in warm, comfortable teahouse lodges for most of the trek. The wind is the most chilling factor, and can be quite variable. There may be snow, rain, mosquitoes in wet areas, blowing dust, heat, and bright sunshine. We will be traveling at lower altitudes during the trek, so the weather is usually quite comfortable.

It's not necessary to be in extremely good shape to enjoy this trek. If you can have fun walking for3-6 hours with a few 20 minute breaks mixed in, you can accomplish this trek.

Prior to joining our group, please see your doctor and obtain the necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for travel in extremes of altitude, and also for exotic locales.

Note: You can purchase all necessary medicines inexpensively with no doctor's prescription in Kathmandu. On our application form we ask you to inform of us your condition, previous illnesses, health and medical situations we should know about, what medications you are taking, etcetera. Please help us to be informed by being honest and fully truthful when you complete it. Thank you.

If you are in good shape from regular exercise, it is likely you are already prepared to enjoy this trek. Here are some fun training tips below.

In the beginning, to see how you handle the training, and to avoid muscle strains that could slow your training down, you may wish to use shorter more frequent but less taxing workouts, and take more rest. After you get "up to speed" as it were, you could increase the rigour. Older walkers, please take note of the latter. Also remember that swimming and bicycling are a fun and excellent form of training because they do not put stress upon your joints. Thank you.

In order to train well for your trip you should work toward excercising a few times a week for about 30 minutes each time.

Adequate rest and a well balanced diet are also essential to avoid injury and illness before the trip. You should sleep at least 8 hours per night, and eat 3 nutritious meals a day. Don't forget that you will perspire when you train, so try to drink lots of water.

Utilising both gym equipment and the great outdoors will provide more balanced exercise. You should try to accomplish at least half of your workouts outside. This could include walking, running, and cycling, but above all should be fun. Hillwalking with a pack weighing 5-10 Kilos/10-20 pounds is good preparation for trekking.

We want you to arrive for your expedition in top shape, so please take plenty of rest and do not over-do it.

Our trek includes transport of all of your equipment from Kathmandu to your destination, and returned to Kathmandu. While on the trek, we DO NOT ask our members to carry heavy group equipment (although it is an option if you really want to), such as tents, fuel, food, etcetera. We employ trekking sherpas, and porters, to carry group equipment and supplies. You will only need to carry a small day-pack/rucksack along the trek with your water, jacket, camera, etcetera.

We recommend that you shop carefully and frugally for your clothing and climbing equipment. Below we have listed some of the least expensive shops we know about in Kathmandu, UK, Seattle, Canada, Chamonix, and Hong Kong. If you hear of any others, we would like to know about them, as we wish to tell our members where they can purchase equipment affordably.

Kathmandu has a wide variety of inexpensive used and competitively priced equipment, boots, shoes, and clothing; In over 50 well-stocked mountaineering and trekking shops. We recommend you purchase your Millet Everest One-sport boots and crampons in Kathmandu, where a very wide selection is available for reasonable prices. We also recommend you purchase your down/duvet jacket, trousers and suit there as well, again for some of the best selection and prices to be found anywhere. Also, be sure to purchase your closed cell kari-mat foam mattresses in Kathmandu. Why bring duffle bags of foam mats on your international flight? Please send us an email to request a Kathmandu price list. If you need a pair of high altitude mitts, we don't recommend Kathmandu, but rather suggest you check out mittens by Wild Country or Outdoor Research (the OR Alti has been popular with our Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse summitters).

For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here" . For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here" . For more information about how much cash to bring for an Lhotse expedition, please"click here" .

Below we have listed several inexpensive shops around the world. It may be best to telephone them directly with your questions, as they are very busy and do not always answer email enquiries in a timely manner. When you do contact them, always be sure to mention your name and the name of our company and expedition leaders to them, as we send them many customers and they often give our members substantial discounts. You may or may not choose to purchase the product from them, but it should give you a good idea of what the fair price for the equipment should be. We especially recommend Second Ascent in Seattle, as it has a very large selection of second hand, discontinued, and rental mountain climbing equipment and clothing.

One strategy our members often pursue is to visit Seattle for one of our Glacier Schools, and then during time set aside during the course, work together with our leaders to try-on, compare, and purchase and hire the equipment they need at one of the least expensive mountaineering shops in Seattle. It is rare to find such a good selection of equipment and clothing in one shop, but Seattle is known for its large glaciated peaks, and large community of mountaineers.

Our planned schedule allows plenty of time for equipment shopping in Kathmandu, where there are so many shops that you will find almost everything you need.

For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here". For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here" . For more information about how much cash to bring for a Service Trek, please "click here" .

Most equipment, boots, clothing, shoes, mattresses are available for purchase and hire in Kathmandu. We allow extra time for our leaders to check your equipment in Kathmandu. If you need additional items, we allow time for shopping and havestaff and members to show you where the shops are.

For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here". For more information about how much cash to bring for an Everest Basecamp Service Trek, please"click here".

Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa is approximately $100 USD & a 30 day visa costs approximately $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport). Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months fom the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages. Please also bring plenty of cash for tips + gratuities, for shopping, drinks, etcetera. You will be paying for your own hotel and meals in Kathmandu . There are good cash/atm machines and traveler's cheques will work, especially in Kathmandu. Members who don't bring enough cash are often found sitting on their hands in a dark and cold hotel room or tent while the rest of the team are out having fun enjoying the night life that is surprisingly exciting and even funny, the sometimes fun pubs and shopping.

The "staff tip" will be $100 per foreign trekker. Expect to pay this tip no matter what.

In Nepal, using your bank, cash or atm card (as long as it's a Cirrus, Plus, or Visa), you can usually obtain rupees at a bank machine in Kathmandu. The machine will not give you dollars, or any other foreign currency. Sometimes, foreign cards dont work in Nepal. The most international bank is Standard and Chartered, and if you plan on using a credit card, you might ask your company to check if your card will work at S&C.

Most of our members carry their personal equipment and snack foods in their checked and carry-on luggage on their international flight.

In Britain, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, your baggage allowance may be as low as: 23 kilos/50 pounds of checked baggage, plus a small carry-on bag of 15 kilos/33 pounds (don't show the counter staff this much carry-on luggage upon check-in), for a total of 40 kilos/88 pounds. First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

If you are unable to attain a sport baggage allowance, obviously, those members coming from these countries will either be faced with wearing their trekking boots, clothing, etcetera onto the plane (this is normal procedure for many Australian, British, and European team-members), or paying excess baggage charges, or purchasing/hiring a portion of their equipment or daily snacks in Kathmandu, which is now becoming more and more of a viable option. If you chose to pay the airline's excess baggage charges, you might be faced with $20 per kilogram/2.2 pounds, of excess. Be sure to make full telephone and email inquiries before checking your bags at the airport.

Those members flying from North Americaare currently allowed 2 checked bags weighing 50 pounds/23 kilos each, plus one small carry-on weighing 30 pounds/13 kilos, for a total allowance of 130 pounds, or 60 kilograms. Baggage allowances change frequently. Before departure, you must ring your airline to verify the exact amount.

In North America it may be possible to pay an additional $120 per extra 70 pound/32 kilo bag, up to a total of ten or so extra bags, on flights bound for Nepal or China, but not for flights returning from there. However, be sure to ask about such "extra-bags" policies carefully before booking, and be sure to check with ALL of the airlines on your itinerary, as some of these airlines may try to "double-charge" you.

First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

If you do arrange cargo shipping, it's not difficult but takes a little more time. Always put your name and expedition name on the first two lines, as this will clarify that you are personally using these items for climbing and they are not the property of our local agent, nor are they for resale in Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will go to the Customs Hall (near the airport) in the morning and go through a one day process required to clear your cargo through Nepal Customs. So, if you are planning to ship cargo, be sure to arrive in Kathmandu on a weekday (M-F) before the scheduled beginning of our expedition, so you don't miss any critical team orientation meetings, etcetera. You may need to pay some fees to the Nepal Government at the time of pickup. Always be sure to speak to the government officer in-charge there, not a middleman from a freight forwarding company, as they will add on a lot of needless charges. If you have filled out the packing list with amounts stated minimally at point of origin, its mostly used equipment and personal food, and everything is for your personal use during the expedition only, and you say you will take all of it back to your country, your fees payed to the Nepal Government will be very small indeed.

We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2kilos /4 pounds is a good amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country.Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.

When you pack your bags in Kathmandu, please organize your materials into two locking duffle kit bags weighing no more than 20 kilos/44 pounds each. These are the bags that will be put on the flight and tied on the yaks, so please make sure they are strong and secure. You will be able to store your excess baggage in Kathmandu.

Any small and light camera will be fine. Many people use digital cameras now, and download their photos on our laptop in basecamp (our laptop works at high altitude, while yours might not, so check carefully before bringing your own laptop).

There are new digital video cameras that are small and light and work well. Many peoples bring them and there has been some very good quality movies made by our members. Some members have even edited their own feature length films from video they took with one of these good-quality small 'handi-cams'.

Our members take great photos and we might ask your permission to use them in news stories on our news website. Of course you will be credited as the photographer.

If you are planning to download your photos, then you have to bring your own lead/cable and your own software, if available. Digital cameras also have the advantage of being able to take small video clips. We love seeing your video clips on our site and they really add to the excitement of telling the story of your climb. There are some good digital cameras that will work well in the $200, £100, or €135 range.

Be sure you always keep your camera in a plastic bag in the inside pocket of your jacket and you will have to sleep with it at night. You never want it to become cold or be exposed to wind, snow, dust, moisture or rain.

With any camera, make sure you have your battery/charging system well-thought-out before you leave home, as options to figure this out in the mountains will be limited.

Can I have prescription spectacles or glacier glasses made inexpensively in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

Yes you can, and prescription glacier specs with leather side shields cost $28, £14, or €18. However, you will have to examine the possibility and assess the choice of frames and quality of workmanship personally when you arrive in Nepal. If you decide to go ahead, it can sometimes take up to a few weeks for your order to be ready. It's important that you will have your own correct prescription glasses before leaving home for the expedition, as your purchase will most likely not be ready for you until your return to Kathmandu after the trip is over.

Here is a checklist of what we need to have in your file at least two months before the trip begins. We encourage you to send an electronic scan of all of the below documents, please be sure they are signed. Thank you:

[ ] Completed Payment. Please restate payments you made and what those payments were for.[ ] Trip Registration Form (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Participant Release and Acknowledgement of Risk (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Terms and Conditions of Booking (part of 4 page form), [ ] Signed Medical Form (part of 4 page form), [ ] 1 Passport sized photo, which is a simple, very clear picture of your face, sent as an email scan. (We simply require a picture of your face against a white background. You can take it yourself for free with your own digital camera or smart phone),[ ] Exact photocopy of passport identification pages, [ ] Exact photocopy of complete flight itinerary, [ ] Proof of mountain rescue and repatriation insurance, [ ] Proof of travel, accident, and repatriation insurance (cancellation insurance is advised).

Please do let us know what further questions you may have about the registration process, or anything else for that matter. Thank you.

It's best to purchase your international air ticket several months before trip departure. Although, surprisingly inexpensive air tickets may be available on short notice only a few weeks before the trip begins. However, for some busier times of year known as "high season", it might be best to purchase your air tickets 4-5 months before flying, or, if you are trying to use frequent flyer or air miles, 6-12 months prior to the beginning of the trip.

We can recommend agencies and airlines that offer the lowest prices and best service.

Flights from UK or Europe to Kathmandu currently cost £450-£700 (GBP), or €665-€1000 (EURO).

For Kathmandu, the most normally used airlines are Gulf Airlines, Qatar Airlines, Ethitad Airways or occasionally Jet Airlines. It takes 1 or two days to fly there, and one or two days to fly back. Many Europeans prefer to fly to London first, to take advantage of the inexpensive flights. Flying from London, to begin, may we recommend you contact anyone at Trailfinders on 0207 9383939. Also, please ring the Flight Centre in London on: 08705 666627, or 0207 9356669.

First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera.

WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

Be sure to mention that you are one of our members when you ring your travel agent, as the above companies arrange quite a few of our flights and they may give a discount or provide extra baggage allowance.

Flights from North America to Kathmandu currently cost $1200-$1700.

When flying from North America to Kathmandu it takes three days on the way there (because you are crossing the date line), and two on the way back.

For starters, we recommend you check the internet. Internet flight shopping is easy: www.Expedia.com often has inexpensive flights. Also try other websites such as www.Orbitz.com , www.Kayak.com , etc. If you would like to work with a travel agent, please contact Sue at Unique Travel: 503-221-1719. Another travel agency you may wish to check prices with is: Himalayan Treasures and Travels 800-223-1813, or Bootsnall.com 503-528-1005. Be sure to mention that you are one of our members when you ring your travel agent, as the above companies arrange quite a few of our flights and they may give a discount or provide extra baggage allowance. By the way, before booking your ticket, please check the itinerary carefully and check how much baggage they will allow. In case you have excess baggage, you may wish to ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera. BAGGAGE WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

All members must be present on the first day of our scheduled itinerary in Kathmandu unless you have made special arrangements. We do quite a bit of orientation and sight seeing before setting off on the trek, in the next day or two. Of course it is fine if you wish to arrive earlier than the first day of our scheduled itinerary.

In addition, we need you to stay until the last day of the expedition unless you have made special arrangements. Its OK if you want to leave a bit earlier, but schedule your flight for the final day in any case. You never know when bad weather or route conditions can slow you down and cause you to need each and every day. Of course its fine if you want to stay on after the trek ends.

Yes and the cost is included in your registration fee. In fact, during our expeditions last year we were able to meet 100 percent of our member's scheduled flights, and bring the team to our hotel. Please make sure we have your complete flight itinerary. Upon picking up your bags and exiting the customs area and walking out into the arrivals hall, be sure to move slowly and look for the person carrying a sign with your name written upon it. Normally, this sign will bear your surname (last or family name), but occasionally they might have written your first or given name on the sign. The sign may also simply say, "SummitClimb".

Our staff in Kathmandu are available to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It does not matter which day nor at what time you arrive or depart Kathmandu, they will meet your flight, take you to the hotel, help you find essential things like money changing, shopping, arrange tours of the city, etcetera.

Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you want your own single room, the cost is an aditional $32 per night (during the included four free hotel nights) and for extra nights $65 per person for single occupancy. Please bring extra cash to pay for your extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, massage, swimming, beauty salon, motorbiking, yoga retreats, river rafting, painting classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, bungie jumping, religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shop, discotheques, airport transfers, Scenic flights around Mount Everest and much much more.

Our staff in Kathmandu are available to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It does not matter which day nor at what time you arrive or depart Kathmandu, they will meet your flight, take you to the hotel, help you find essential things like money changing, shopping, arrange tours of the city, etcetera.

Most of our members carry their personal equipment and snack foods in their checked and carry-on luggage on their international flight.

In Britain, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, your baggage allowance may be as low as: 23 kilos/50 pounds of checked baggage, plus a small carry-on bag of 15 kilos/33 pounds (don't show the counter staff this much carry-on luggage upon check-in), for a total of 40 kilos/88 pounds. First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

If you are unable to attain a sport baggage allowance, obviously, those members coming from these countries will either be faced with wearing their boots, trek clothing, etcetera onto the plane (this is normal procedure for many Australian, British, and European team-members), or paying excess baggage charges, or purchasing/hiring a portion of their equipment or daily snacks in Kathmandu, which is now becoming more and more of a viable option. If you chose to pay the airline's excess baggage charges, you might be faced with $20 per kilogram/2.2 pounds, of excess. Be sure to make full telephone and email inquiries before checking your bags at the airport.

Those members flying from North Americaare currently allowed 2 checked bags weighing 50 pounds/23 kilos each, plus one small carry-on weighing 30 pounds/13 kilos, for a total allowance of 130 pounds, or 60 kilograms. Baggage allowances change frequently. Before departure, you must ring your airline to verify the exact amount.

In North America it may be possible to pay an additional $120 per extra 70 pound/32 kilo bag, up to a total of ten or so extra bags, on flights bound for Nepal or China, but not for flights returning from there. However, be sure to ask about such "extra-bags" policies carefully before booking, and be sure to check with ALL of the airlines on your itinerary, as some of these airlines may try to "double-charge" you.

First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

If you do arrange cargo shipping, its not difficult but takes a little more time. Always put your name and expedition name on the first two lines, as this will clarify that you are personally using these items for climbing and they are not the property of our local agent, nor are they for resale in Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will go to the Customs Hall (near the airport) in the morning and go through a one day process required to clear your cargo through Nepal Customs. So, if you are planning to ship cargo, be sure to arrive in Kathmandu on a weekday (M-F) before the scheduled beginning of our expedition, so you don't miss any critical team orientation meetings, etcetera. You may need to pay some fees to the Nepal Government at the time of pickup. Always be sure to speak to the government officer in-charge there, not a middleman from a freight forwarding company, as they will add on a lot of needless charges. If you have filled out the packing list with amounts stated minimally at point of origin, its mostly used equipment and personal food, and everything is for your personal use during the expedition only, and you say you will take the rest back to your country, your fees payed to the Nepal Government will be very small indeed.

You will have to request shipping times and charges from your local agent as we don't know the details from your country.

Will there be time to hire-rent-purchase my equipment, boots, and clothing in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

Our planned schedule allows plenty of time for equipment shopping in Kathmandu, where there are so many shops that you will find almost everything you need.

For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here". For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here" . For more information about how much cash to bring for a Service Trek, please "click here" .

How much are the prices for boots, clothing, shoes, mattresses, and trekking equipment in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

Most equipment, boots, clothing, shoes, mattresses are available for purchase and hire in Kathmandu, with the exception of good high altitude handwear. We allow extra time for our leaders to check your equipment in Kathmandu. If you need additional items, we allow time for shopping and havestaff and members to show you where the shops are.

For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here" . For more information about how much cash to bring for a Service Trek, please "click here" .

Here is some information on Kathmandu equipment prices:

Prices for hiring are the same as purchasing used equipment, seen below in Nepalese Rupees (Rs), at the lowest range of the used prices. $1 USD = 93 to 95 rupees (as of 2 april 2014)

When you pack your bags in Kathmandu, please organize your materials into two locking duffle kit bags weighing no more than 20 kilos/44 pounds each. These are the bags that will be put on the flight and tied on the yaks, so please make sure they are strong and secure. You will be able to store your excess baggage in Kathmandu.

In Nepal, using your bank, cash or atm card (as long as it's a Cirrus, Plus, or Visa), you can usually obtain rupees at a bank machine in Kathmandu. The machine will not give you dollars, or any other foreign currency. Sometimes, foreign cards dont work in Nepal. The most international bank is Standard and Chartered, and if you plan on using a credit card, you might ask your company to check if your card will work at S&C.

Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa is approximately $100 USD & a 30 day visa costs approximately $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport). Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.

Nearly all developed countries have agents who offer travel and mountain climbing insurance at a reasonable price. Full-coverage insurance is essential, because it not only covers mountain climbing, but also travel to and from the mountain. This could cover you for lost bags, a car accident on the way to the airport, etcetera. When you see what high-quality insurance covers, you will realize that it is a very good value. BEFORE PURCHASING, BE SURE TO REQUEST A COPY OF THE POLICY AND BE SURE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND IT. Please enclose proof of insurance with your final team-membership payment. If you are one of the unfortunates who come from a country where such insurance is not available, we will accept an authorization letter and your credit card. You must be covered for travel, full domestic rescue, helicopter (where available) and international rescue and repatriation expenses. NO CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION = NO EXPEDITION MEMBERSHIP.

http://www.travelexinsurance.com/ (Get the "Adventurer Plus Pak". This Pak is required to receive medical and evacuation coverage for mountaineering and a rental allowance in the event your gear is lost. To receive this benefit, your policy and Pak must be purchased within 21 days of initial trip deposit.

http://www.snowcard.co.uk/Mountaineering up to 5000m covered on Extreme Adventure package and up to 7000m guided only on Pro adventure Package. Insurance policies available from this website can only be used by uk & channel islands residents

In the US and Canada, your total full-coverage insurance package may vary, depending on trip duration and amount of coverage. We have seen several companies that offer comprehensive plans for travel and mountain rescue. A company called Global rescue is worth checking out; http://www.globalrescue.com , which can be combined with a standard travel policy.

Those who wish to shop further, or have higher incomes and/or assets to protect may also be interested in: Access America, Travelex, Travel Guard, etc. Be sure to check what the policy covers before you buy.

Members are allowed access to our extensive medical supplies, first-aid kits, etc. Our methods and equipment used in expedition trekking are time-tested over more than 20 years. We do not spare expense and have a complete range of equipment and very in-depth knowledge and experience in the use of rescue equipment, communications equipment, cookers, fuels, cooking equipment, proper and nutritious foods, hydration supplies and techniques, a vast array of tents (both used and used), and camping equipment. Our philosophy is one of "It is better too bring too much than not enough". We believe that our philosophy of being extra prepared is one of the key factors in our long tradition of successful treks.

Our leaders are highly trained and extremely experienced in diagnosing and treating illness and injury in the Himalaya, and are well equipped with extensive medical kits. More often than not, a doctor or medical professional will be present for the Everest Basecamp Service Trek. We encourage doctors and medical professionals who climb and trek to join our teams, in return for a 5 % discount. Out of our last nine expeditions, six had a doctor, and two had more than one doctor.

In case of emergency, God forbid, our leader and Sherpas would help apply first aid, provide medicines and assistance with our medical oxygen, then we would transport you to where an evacuation would take place. In Nepal, this evacuation would be via helicopter, at your expense.

BE SURE TO PURCHASE GOOD QUALITY CLIMBING, TRIP INTERRUPTION AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.

Only in extremely rare cases do such things happen, but, lets be honest, risks are present when traveling and trekking in the mountains. However, optimists will tell you that your chances of being involved in an auto-accident on the way to or from the airport are greater than during the actual trek itself. BE SURE TO PURCHASE GOOD QUALITY CLIMBING, TRIP INTERRUPTION AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.

WE NOW REQUIRE A SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION LETTER TO BE ON FILE WITH OUR KATHMANDU OFFICE IN CASE OF A HELICOPTER OR OTHER RESCUE (where applicable).

In the very rare case of an emergency, this letter authorizes our agent and rescue companies to organise a rescue on your behalf. The letter is part of the forms you must sign, in order to register for the trip. The letter will be kept locked in our safe and we have never had a problem with this in the past. Some insurance companies respond to a rescue request on a 24 hour basis. Other insurance companies do not, and you file your claim after returning to your home country, so we need the rescue letter on hand, with payment instructions. Obviously, we need to be able to send a helicopter and/or special rescue jeep and rescue team immediately, in case of the unlikely event you are injured and unable to walk, or perhaps unconscious. Please Click here for Helicopter or other Rescue form . Or Please Click here for Download the form . Thank you very much.

Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you do not wish to share, you can pay an extra $20 for a single room (during any of the included 4 nights). If you want a room for extra nights, outside of the included 4 nights, the price will be $30 (single room). Price includes good delicious breakfast and mandatory 25% Nepal government tax and government service charge. Please bring extra cash to pay for your extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, massage, swimming, beauty salon, motorbiking, yoga retreats, river rafting, painting classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, bungie jumping, religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shop, discotheques, airport transfers, Scenic flights around Mount Everest and much much more. Meals in Kathmandu are at your expense.

In Kathmandu, for a few days only, at the beginning and the end of the trip, you pay for your own meals . There are a wide variety of tasty restaurants in Kathmandu serving continental and Asian food. Prices are reasonable compared to what you would pay at home, depending on how much alcohol you wish to drink with each meal. We do not encourage our members to drink too much. For example 10 - 30 US dollars, 5 - 15 pounds, 7 - 22 euros, a day should be enough for all of your meals. Please review how much cash to bring for the expedition. Thank you.

On the trek to basecamp we stay in rustic teahouses, at the organizers expense, so you do not have to pay. Please view the Everest Basecamp Service Trek itinerary page for more about where we will be traveling to.

On the trek our skilled trekking cooks provide delicious meals.Our cooks prepare 3 hot meals a day for us using many fresh ingredients, including fresh vegetables and meats, and fresh bread and boiled eggs for breakfast. If you are a vegetarian, be sure and tell us, so we can instruct the cooks to prepare vegetarian dishes, no problem.

We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2 kilos/4 pounds, is a good amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country.Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.

SummitClimb has a local agent in Nepal available from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Nepal time. Family and friends can contact our agent and have their emergency messages relayed to members on the trek. We may have a satellite phone available on the trek that can be used for outgoing calls for $4 per minute.

In Nepal, electricity comes from the mains in your hotel at 220 volts with a European style two-round-pin plug. There is an automatic converter in most North American appliances which will allow you to plug 110 volt items into the 220 volt electricity in Nepal. Please be sure to read the back of your appliance or charger to make sure it does this conversion automatically.

Any small and light camera will be fine. Many people use digital cameras now, and download their photos on our laptop in basecamp (our laptop works at high altitude, while yours might not, so check carefully before bringing your own laptop).

There are new digital video cameras that are small and light and work well. Many peoples bring them and there has been some very good quality movies made by our members. Some members have even edited their own feature length films from video they took with one of these good-quality small 'handi-cams'.

Our members take great photos and we might ask your permission to use them in news stories on our news website. Of course you will be credited as the photographer.

If you are planning to download your photos, then you have to bring your own lead/cable and your own software, if available. Digital cameras also have the advantage of being able to take small video clips. We love seeing your video clips on our site and they really add to the excitement of telling the story of your climb. There are some good digital cameras that will work well in the $200, £100, or €135 range.

Be sure you always keep your camera in a plastic bag in the inside pocket of your jacket and you will have to sleep with it at night. You never want it to become cold or be exposed to wind, snow, dust, moisture or rain.

With any camera, make sure you have your battery/charging system well-thought-out before you leave home, as options to figure this out in the mountains will be limited.

Below are some short video clips taken along our recent Everest Basecamp Trek by our team members. Please click the picture or title in the left column to view each clip. In the right column is the description for each video.

You can can go to their site www.videolandproductions.com and email info@videolandproductions.com or call (+1)360-491-1332 to buy any and all of the mountain climbing and trekking films we have. Please tell them we said hi!

We will be expanding this section with more Everest Basecamp Service Trek video clips.

Ms. Elselien te Hennepe, looking out into the Imja Tso Lake on the left of the photo on our October 2005 trek. Behind her, on the right side of the photo is Island Peak basecamp at 5,100 meters (16,728 feet) (DL Mazur).

Thank you for reading about our past Everest Basecamp Treks. To follow along with our ongoing trips around the world, please view our "Recent News" section.

What questions do you have? Please ask as many questions as possible. This helps us to have a proper conversation so we can better understand one-another's expectations, so you will have a very safe, enjoyable, and successful trek. Thank you. Before completing the application forms, please be sure to carefully study the Everest Basecamp Service Trek "Questions" website for information regarding flights, payment, team members, application forms, insurance, etcetera: Service Trke Frequently Asked Questions .

Below you should find a pdf or MS document containing the application pro forma. Are you able to read it? When all of your questions have been answered to your satisfaction, please print out the application and return it to us with your refundable ten-percent deposit, to hold your place in our team. Would you please just post it to us at the mailing address you will find on the form? Thank you very much. If you decide not to go, your deposit will be refunded according to our refund policy. Your registration and the final payment must be completed two months prior to the expedition starting date. Thank you very much.

Here is a checklist of what we need to have in your file at least two months before the trip begins. We encourage you to send an electronic scan of all of the below documents, please be sure they are signed. Thank you:

[ ] Completed Payment,

[ ] Trip Registration Form (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Participant Release and Acknowledgement of Risk (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Terms and Conditions of Booking (part of 4 page form), [ ] Signed Medical Form (part of 4 page form), [ ] 1 Passport sized photo, which is a simple, very clear picture of your face, sent as an email scan. (We simply require a picture of your face against a white background. You can take it yourself for free with your own digital camera or smart phone),[ ] Exact photocopy of passport identification pages, [ ] Exact photocopy of complete flight itinerary, [ ] Proof of travel, rescue, accident, and repatriation insurance (cancellation and trip interruption insurance is advised).

Please do let us know what further questions you may have about the registration process, or anything else for that matter. Thank you.

What questions do you have? Please ask as many questions as possible. This helps us to have a proper conversation so we can better understand one-another's expectations, so you will have a very safe, enjoyable, and successful trek. Thank you. Before completing the application forms, please be sure to carefully study the Everest Basecamp Service Trek "Questions" website for information regarding flights, payment, team members, application forms, insurance, etcetera: Service Trek Frequently Asked Questions .

Below you should find a pdf or MS document containing the application pro forma. Are you able to read it? When all of your questions have been answered to your satisfaction, please print out the application and return it to us with your refundable ten-percent deposit, to hold your place in our team. Would you please just post it to us at the mailing address you will find on the form? Thank you very much. If you decide not to go, your deposit will be refunded according to our refund policy. Your registration and the final payment must be completed two months prior to the expedition starting date. Thank you very much.

Here is a checklist of what we need to have in your file at least two months before the trip begins. We encourage you to send an electronic scan of all of the below documents, please be sure they are signed. Thank you:

[ ] Completed Payment,

[ ] Trip Registration Form (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Participant Release and Acknowledgement of Risk (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Terms and Conditions of Booking (part of 4 page form), [ ] Signed Medical Form (part of 4 page form), [ ] 1 Passport sized photo, which is a simple, very clear picture of your face, sent as an email scan. (We simply require a picture of your face against a white background. You can take it yourself for free with your own digital camera or smart phone),[ ] Exact photocopy of passport identification pages, [ ] Exact photocopy of complete flight itinerary, [ ] Proof of travel, rescue, accident, and repatriation insurance (cancellation and trip interruption insurance is advised).

Please do let us know what further questions you may have about the registration process, or anything else for that matter. Thank you.

Firstly allow me to thank you both for the hard work, support and impeccable organisation and execution of the Salesforce VTO expedition to Nepal and Deboche. The on ground team were truly wonderful and made the entire experience truly memorable for all.

Our objectives exceeded our expectations and by the end we calculate we have contributed over 700hrs to the MEFSD and close to $17,000 in donations (some still in play en route - so lets catch up on that later).

One of the most valuable things to come out of the trip has not been the work and support to the Deboche project - rather the learnings and bold ambition which we now have for growing this relationship and support of the MEFSD over the years to come with some very exciting ideas in flight now for future projects - discussed at length with Mingmar during our stay.

I would like to follow up on these ideas with you ASAP while you have some ground time - so please let me know when you are free for a lengthy chat!

In the mean time please extend our heartfelt thanks to all in Nepal on the team and let them know we already have 7 people signed up to return next October! (and we have only been back for a day!)